Jackson Reid
Golf is a sport that has traditionally been played by the rich for pleasure, with professionals often coming from poorer backgrounds and starting their careers as caddies. The distinction between amateurs and professionals is rigorously maintained, with strict rules governing the transition from amateur to professional status. Since 1945, only eight golfers have won a PGA Tour tournament as amateurs, with Frank Stranahan the only golfer to win more than once, achieving four victories. Here is an introduction to some of the greatest amateur golfers who never turned pro.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golfers who won a PGA Tour tournament as amateurs since 1945 | 8 |
| Golfer who won more than once as an amateur | Frank Stranahan |
| Latest golfer to win a PGA Tour tournament as an amateur | Nick Dunlap |
| Amateur golfers who never turned pro | Charles "Chick" Evans Jr., John Ball, Harold Hilton, Francis Ouimet, Bobby Jones |
| Distinction between amateurs and professionals | Amateurs cannot collect winnings from PGA Tour tournaments; amateurs cannot turn professional while playing in a tournament; amateurs cannot play in professional tournaments unless the Committee is notified and confirms participation; amateurs who breach rules of amateur status may lose it and it is difficult to reinstate |
| Amateur golfers | Can accept prizes up to £700 or $1000 without losing amateur status |
| Professional golfers | Make a living from teaching the game, running golf clubs and courses, and dealing in golf equipment; some make a living from playing in golf tournaments and endorsements |
| Amateur Players Tour | Open to all amateur golfers; provides professionally-run amateur golf tournaments; members compete in golf tournaments at the local level and are divided into five divisions based on skill level |
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What You'll Learn
Amateur golfers who won PGA tournaments
Since 1945, eight golfers have won a PGA Tour tournament as amateur golfers. Notably, no golfer achieved this feat during the 1960s or 1970s. The golfers who won as amateurs include:
Frank Stranahan
Frank Stranahan is the only golfer to win more than one PGA tournament as an amateur, achieving this impressive feat four times.
Nick Dunlap
Nick Dunlap is the latest golfer to win a PGA tournament as an amateur, doing so at the 2024 American Express.
Other Amateur Winners
While their names are not currently known, one amateur golfer won a tournament in 1985, and another in 1991.
Amateur Winners of the U.S. Amateur Championship
Some notable winners of the U.S. Amateur Championship, which has been played annually since 1895 (excluding WWI and WWII years), include:
- Walter Travis (1900, 1901, 1903)
- Jack Nicklaus (1959, 1961)
- Deane Beman (1960, 1962, 1966)
- Vinny Giles (1967, 1968, 1972)
- Jose Luis Ballester (2024)
- Nick Dunlap (2023)
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Amateur golfers who became pros in 2024
As the 2024 golf season comes to a close, several amateur golfers have made their mark and are turning pro. Here are some of the rising stars who have showcased their talent and potential this year:
Aldrich Potgieter
Hailing from South Africa, Aldrich Potgieter gained international recognition in 2022 by winning The Amateur Championship at just 17 years old. He became one of the youngest golfers to win this prestigious title. In 2024, he continued to impress, securing his PGA Tour card for 2025. Potgieter's strength lies in his exceptional driving ability, consistently delivering long and straight tee shots. His all-around game, including impressive wedge play and an improving putting stroke, makes him a formidable competitor.
Ben Griffin
Ben Griffin has steadily climbed the ranks in golf, gaining recognition after a stellar 2023 season and strong performances in 2024. Griffin earned his PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour, and he has since proven his mettle by finishing in the top 10 in multiple tournaments. Griffin's work ethic and ability to compete with top players showcase his potential to win multiple titles in the future.
De la Fuente
The 22-year-old University of Houston senior, De la Fuente, earned invitations to play in the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the British Open with his victory at the Latin America Amateur in January. He became only the sixth golfer from Mexico to participate in the Masters. De la Fuente's performance in the Mexico Open, where he finished tied for 9th after two rounds, further highlighted his potential.
Rose Zhang
Rose Zhang turned pro in 2023 after dominating the amateur golf scene, including a historic victory at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and a record-setting collegiate career at Stanford. In 2024, she continued her impressive form, consistently finishing strong in LPGA events and securing her first professional victory. Zhang's precision on the greens is what sets her apart from her competitors.
These amateur golfers-turned-pros have showcased their skills and potential in 2024, and they are expected to make significant impacts on the professional golf circuit in the years to come.
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Amateur golfers who never went pro
While many amateur golfers have gone on to pursue professional careers, there are some who have chosen to remain amateurs. Here are some notable amateur golfers who never turned pro:
Francis Ouimet
Ouimet is famous for one of the greatest moments in golf history. In 1913, he won the U.S. Open, beating Harry Vardon, known as "The Stylist". The following year, he proved his victory was no fluke by winning the U.S. Amateur Championship. However, he was then banned from all USGA events for eight years, during which he missed his prime golfing years. Despite this setback, he returned to golf after the ban was lifted and competed in eight Walker Cups.
Charles "Chick" Evans Jr.
Born in 1890, Evans began caddying at the Edgewater Golf Club at the age of eight. In 1909, he gained national attention by winning the Western Amateur, and the following year, he became the first amateur to win the Western Open. Despite the pressure to turn professional, Evans chose to remain an amateur.
John Ball
John Ball is considered a legend in British amateur golf. He won eight British Amateur Championships and a British Open. In 1878, at just 17 years old, Ball finished fifth in the British Open at Prestwick. He was the first amateur golfer in England to be named an Immortal by the Royal Empire.
Bobby Jones
Jones is known for his achievement in winning the Grand Slam of 1930, becoming the only golfer to win the U.S. Amateur, British Amateur, British Open, and U.S. Open in the same year. However, he retired from golf at the young age of 28, focusing on other ventures, including founding the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament in 1934. Unfortunately, his golfing career ended prematurely due to a spinal cord condition that left him paralysed.
Travis
Travis is known for his achievements in both playing golf and contributing to its administrative side. By his 39th birthday, he had won three U.S. Amateurs and was the first American to win the British Amateur Championship. He also served as chairman of the European Professional Golfers Association and Golf Foundation and president of the English Golf Union.
These golfers have left their mark on the sport, demonstrating that a professional career is not the only path to success and fulfilment in the world of golf.
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Amateur golfers who became pros in the US
Several amateur golfers have gone on to become professionals in the US, leaving their mark on the sport. Here are some notable examples:
Francis Ouimet
Francis Ouimet is known for one of the greatest upsets in golf history, defeating Harry Vardon, "The Stylist", in the 1913 U.S. Open. Ouimet proved his victory was no fluke by winning the 1914 U.S. Amateur Championship. Despite being banned from USGA events for a period, he returned to action and competed in multiple Walker Cups.
Charles "Chick" Evans Jr.
Chick Evans Jr. rose to fame in 1909 when he won the Western Amateur, and a year later, he became the first amateur to claim victory in the Western Open. Evans felt significant pressure to turn professional as his fame grew.
Harold Hilton
In 1911, Harold Hilton became the first foreign-born player to win the U.S. Amateur. His victory was particularly memorable due to a fortunate ricochet on the 37th hole, stunning his opponent, Fred Herreshoff.
Travis
Travis is an extraordinary golfer who didn't pick up a golf club until he was 35 years old. Within a month, he won his first tournament, and by the age of 39, he had won his first of three U.S. Amateurs. Travis also ventured to Great Britain, becoming the first American to win the British Amateur Championship.
Frank Stranahan
Frank Stranahan is the only golfer to win a PGA Tour tournament more than once as an amateur, achieving this feat four times.
These golfers defied odds, pursued their passion, and left a lasting impact on the sport, transitioning from amateur status to successful professional careers in the United States.
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Amateur golf tours
One of the most well-known amateur golf tours is the US Am Tour, which provides an authentic TOUR-style tournament experience to players of all ages and abilities. The US Am Tour is known for its professional organisation, with local and regional tournament directors ensuring a high level of competition at top-notch venues. It offers 12 flights, allowing golfers to compete with others at their skill level and providing an opportunity to improve and climb the ranks. The camaraderie among players is a significant aspect of this tour, fostering friendships and a shared passion for the game.
The Golfweek Amateur Tour is another prominent example, celebrating its 30th anniversary with nearly 700 players from 45 Local Tours competing over three days on eight courses in Hilton Head Island. This tour offers a range of courses, from Palmetto Dunes Resort to the Country Club of Hilton Head and Atlantic Dunes, providing a diverse and challenging experience for its players.
The Amateur Players Tour (APT) is the fastest-growing amateur tour in North America, with over 40 chapters across the United States and Canada. The APT caters to golfers of all skill levels, with divisions assigned based on tournament scores. It offers a professionally-run tournament experience, allowing players to compete locally and nationally at bucket-list venues. APT members have the chance to qualify for the North American Championship and various other honours, including Local and National Player of the Year.
These amateur golf tours provide an avenue for golfers to develop their skills, build a community, and experience the thrill of competitive golf, all while enjoying the game they love.
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Frequently asked questions
Some amateur golfers who went pro include Nick Dunlap, Ryan Moore, Matt Kuchar, and Tiger Woods.
Frank Stranahan is the only golfer to win more than one PGA tournament as an amateur, winning four times.
Some famous amateur golfers who never went pro include John Ball, Sir Michael Bonallack, and Charles "Chick" Evans Jr.
